"But to suggest to women that they deserve dominance instead of equality is at best a cheap applause line," Brown wrote in her New York Times piece.

Brown alleged that the president has ignored the economy in favor of focusing on social issues in his efforts to court the female vote, and that the approach is insulting to women.

"He's employing a tone that can come across as grating and even condescending," she alleged. "Most women don’t want to be patted on the head or treated as wards of the state. They simply want to be given a chance to succeed based on their talent and skills."

She added a disclaimer, noting that her husband is an adviser to Mitt Romney, but that she is not involved in any campaign and has been an "independent journalist" throughout her career.

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Anderson Cooper

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21: Anderson Cooper speaks during a rehearsal before a taping of Jeopardy! Power Players Week at DAR Constitution Hall on April 21, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)